There are changes to the EI program starting September 27, 2021.  All these changes will be in effect for one year. Here is an overview:

  • Qualifying for EI: You must have worked 420 hours – usually in the last year – to qualify. This applies to all types of EI benefits everywhere in Canada.
  • Minimum benefit: If your EI claim starts between September 26, 2021 and November 20, 2021, the minimum weekly EI benefit is $300. You can still qualify for more based on your previous earnings, but you won’t get less.

If your EI claim starts on or after November 20, 2021, the rules in place before the COVID-19 pandemic will once again apply and your benefits will be 55% of your average weekly earnings.

  • Quitting your job: If you quit your last job without just cause, you still cannot get EI.  But unlike before you will not lose all the hours you worked up to that point.  If you go back to work after quitting, but then get laid-off, you can now use the hours you worked before quitting to qualify.  In other words, the EI people will only look at the reason your last job ended.
  • People who use up all their EI: People who use up all their EI benefits may be able to get the Canada Recovery Benefit. If your EI claim starts on or after September 27, 2021, the money you get from EI counts towards the $5,000 in income you need to qualify for the Canada Recovery Benefit. Read more here.
  • Severance pay will not impact your EI: If you lose your job and get severance pay from your employer, it will not impact your EI or delay the start of your EI claim.  This temporary exemption started last year but the government has decided to continue it after September 27, 2021.

Some of the changes that had been in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic will end September 27, 2021:

  • You will once again need a doctor to fill out an EI medical certificate to get EI sickness benefits.
  • You will no longer automatically get 50 weeks of EI. The number of weeks you get will once again be based on where you live and how many hours you worked before collecting EI.
  • The usual one week waiting period before you can get EI benefits will once again apply.